The spirit of faith sweeps #SpiritDay!

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Faith groups, places of worship, and leaders of faith communities from various traditions came together again this year to take part in Spirit Day. In today's current climate, allied faith communities supporting and standing with LGBTQ youth is increasingly important. These leaders and groups have more than risen to the occasion!

Take a look to see if your favorite faith leader or group went purple.

Out Christian singer/songwriter Trey Pearson went purple in conjunction with the release of his new single, "Love Is Love." Pearson came out in 2016, and has released two songs since then. He continues to use his voice to speak out for LGBTQ people in all fascets of life, including LGBTQ youth.

Fr James Martin, who recently wrote a book on the need for “Building Bridges” between the Catholic Church and the LGBT community, joined his staff at America Magazine in wearing purple and sharing statistics on bulling in the US.

Many of my colleagues and I @americamag are in purple today for #SpiritDay to stand up against the bullying of LGBT youth anywhere. Let them know that they are God's beloved children who belong in the beautiful world that God created. pic.twitter.com/RlzEihpreV

Sobering statistics on LGBT youth bullying and suicide on #SpiritDay from my colleagues @americamag. These young people are five times as likely to have attempted suicide as straight youths. This is a life issue. Please pray and work for welcoming places for LGBT youths. pic.twitter.com/eSfMNHeEJ3

Blair Imani is a queer, Black, Muslim woman, who recently came out as such on Fox News. Through her own witness and through her organization, she advocates for fair treatment of Muslims, as well as women and people of color. She was recently featured onstage at the GLAAD San Francisco Gala. Blair went all out for Spirit Day! Check out her series of photos and tweets, taking us through her day.

A post shared by #PresentPerfect (@myoutspirit) on Oct 19, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT

LGBTQ youth face disproportionate bullying and harrasment simply for being who they are, and the LGBTQ community as a whole faces increased threats of discrimination often founded in religious rhetoric. This show of unifying love and support, rooted in faith and religion, not only sends a message to LGBTQ youth that they are never alone: it also shows the unifying power and possibilities these traditions provide, to let all identities live freely, supported by all their communities.

About Spirit Day

Each year, millions go purple for GLAAD’s Spirit Day to support LGBTQ youth in a united stand against bullying. Started in 2010 by high school student Brittany McMillan in response to numerous young LGBTQ lives lost to suicide, Spirit Day now draws the participation of celebrities, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, and advocates around the world, all joining together to stand against bullying and support LGBTQ youth.

As anti-LGBTQ policies, hate crimes, and harassment are on the rise, it is now especially important to let all marginalized youth know they are supported.